Loadshedding implemented for first time since mid-90s

It's been a week since an explosion and major fire shut down the Guam Power Authority's most efficient base load units. And as a result, power customers experienced the first of its impact with loadshedding over this past weekend.

"We want to get out of this equation of crisis mode by having enough capacity to meet and get out of this load-shedding scenario," explained GPA general manager John Benavente, referring to the power outages that occurred over the Labor Day weekend. GPA had to secure Cabras 1 on Friday night in order to repair a boiler tube leak. "So therefore, we worked through it over the weekend, which is a lower load instead of waiting for the inevitable meaning the plant will fail if we don't take care of that immediately," he added.

Cabras 1 going offline even for a short time made the utility agency vulnerable. As we reported, GPA already is at risk of lacking adequate capacity as a result of Cabras 3 and 4 - GPA's most efficient units- shutting down a week ago after an explosion and fire occurred. "When we lose 80 megawatts, certainly we don't have enough reserve incase other units go down. In addition, we have to plan overhauls on the machine, so over the next two or three weeks, we're going to put another machine down that needs to be repaired," said Benavente. "Again, we cannot allow the machines not to be maintained otherwise our power will be compounded, meaning we'll run the machines to death and we'll have a much more serious problem."

GPA may have to loadshed again should any of its larger units have to be secured for repairs. In the meantime, GPA is working on implementing alternative solutions in order to get out of this "crisis mode", one of which includes making arrangements with larger power customers like hotels and malls who have standby generators. "I would like to work out an agreement with them so if we come to a scenario where we lose another base load and are going to run short, we'll give them a call and ask them to go off the line and stay on their standby generator that will allow us to avoid load shedding many customers, if at all, by doing this," said the GM.

Benavente says he would hope to cement some type of agreement for a six-month period. As for the actual cause of the explosion and fire and the extent of the damage, that has yet to be determined as the Guam Fire Department and GPA need to do an assessment. Benavente, however, says the roof of Cabras 4 has collapsed in, noting, "We have worked and hired a consulting structural engineering to work with the fire department that the plan, and the structure is safe enough for our employees and all our expertise to go in."

While the cost of the damage has yet to be determined, general manager Benavente says both units cost $300 million. He says the last time major loadshedding occurred as in the early to mid-1990s when demand outstripped capacity. GPA will make a presentation to the Consolidated Commission on Utilities during a work session Wednesday morning.

Guam High School and surrounding homes at Naval Hospital have been evacuated after a bomb threat is called in Thursday afternoon. The threat specifically targeted the school. GPD and Navy police are sweeping the area with K-9 units. The Naval Base Guam Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit is standing by in the event anything is found. Guam Homeland Security officials say all measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the public and first responders involved.

Guam High School and surrounding homes at Naval Hospital have been evacuated after a bomb threat is called in Thursday afternoon. The threat specifically targeted the school. GPD and Navy police are sweeping the area with K-9 units. The Naval Base Guam Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit is standing by in the event anything is found. Guam Homeland Security officials say all measures are being taken to ensure the safety of the public and first responders involved.

He was pulled over for having no tags on his license plates, but is now facing drug charges. Lan Allen Carrick is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed several opens beer cans inside the car. The suspect later admitting he had a glass pipe used to smoke the drug, ICE. Police found the pipe with meth residue, a clear zip-lock bag with white residue, and a heat modified plastic straw.More >>

He was pulled over for having no tags on his license plates, but is now facing drug charges. Lan Allen Carrick is charged with possession of a schedule II controlled substance. During the traffic stop, the officer noticed several opens beer cans inside the car. The suspect later admitting he had a glass pipe used to smoke the drug, ICE. Police found the pipe with meth residue, a clear zip-lock bag with white residue, and a heat modified plastic straw.More >>

He wants to plead insanity. A plea deal is in the works for a man accused in a hostage and police standoff from last April. But it seems the suspect, Vincent Philip Siguenza Cruz, is now claiming he has an insanity defense. He appeared in court today. Last April, Cruz allegedly held police at bay for hours and took a family hostage. One of the hostages took him down before his arrest. Negotiations for his plea will have to be settled before he returns to court at a later date.More >>

He wants to plead insanity. A plea deal is in the works for a man accused in a hostage and police standoff from last April. But it seems the suspect, Vincent Philip Siguenza Cruz, is now claiming he has an insanity defense. He appeared in court today. Last April, Cruz allegedly held police at bay for hours and took a family hostage. One of the hostages took him down before his arrest. Negotiations for his plea will have to be settled before he returns to court at a later date.More >>

The Guam Waterworks Authority broke ground on the latest in a series of projects to upgraded the reservoir system. The rehabilitation and replacement of large tanks like the one next to Nissan Motors in Upper Tumon is part of a long-standing federal consent decree. GWA General Manager Miguel Bordallo told KUAM News, "This $14 million project is critical for us to meet our court ordered requirements, but also for improving the delivery of reliable water service in the centr...More >>

The Guam Waterworks Authority broke ground on the latest in a series of projects to upgraded the reservoir system. The rehabilitation and replacement of large tanks like the one next to Nissan Motors in Upper Tumon is part of a long-standing federal consent decree. GWA General Manager Miguel Bordallo told KUAM News, "This $14 million project is critical for us to meet our court ordered requirements, but also for improving the delivery of reliable water service in the centr...More >>

One named defendant in the clergy sexual abuse lawsuits fires back. Filed today in the District Court of Guam, Joe R. San Agustin, also known as Father Andrew San Agustin, responds to allegations of clergy sexual abuse and agrees for a request for a jury trial. If you recall, the former priest was named in a civil complaint filed by B.T., who was only identified by her initials to protect her identity. B.T. alleged San Agustin brought her and her sister to Guam for vacation. He all...More >>

One named defendant in the clergy sexual abuse lawsuits fires back. Filed today in the District Court of Guam, Joe R. San Agustin, also known as Father Andrew San Agustin, responds to allegations of clergy sexual abuse and agrees for a request for a jury trial. If you recall, the former priest was named in a civil complaint filed by B.T., who was only identified by her initials to protect her identity. B.T. alleged San Agustin brought her and her sister to Guam for vacation. He all...More >>

The cutbacks keep on coming, as the Guam Power Authority has been working on its cost containment measures. GPA assistant general manager Melinda Camacho says it's been quite the challenge with the manpower they currently have. A plus, however, is they are able to keep the lights on. "We've maintained our overtime below our budget, we have not hired personnel. So as we even in generation, as retirees just through natural attrition, they are out there. So we are not hiring and we...More >>

The cutbacks keep on coming, as the Guam Power Authority has been working on its cost containment measures. GPA assistant general manager Melinda Camacho says it's been quite the challenge with the manpower they currently have. A plus, however, is they are able to keep the lights on. "We've maintained our overtime below our budget, we have not hired personnel. So as we even in generation, as retirees just through natural attrition, they are out there. So we are not hiring and we...More >>

Bench warrants have been issued for two men arrested on drug charges. Jason Ortiola and Roger Balicha were no-shows to their Wednesday hearing. They have also repeatedly failed to report to probation for regular check-ins, as ordered by the court. Ortiola, we should note, is a former GPD officer who was fired from the force and sentenced in federal court for selling the drug "ICE" while in uniform with his duty weapon. Bail was set at $5,000 each for Ortiola and Balicha. C...More >>

Bench warrants have been issued for two men arrested on drug charges. Jason Ortiola and Roger Balicha were no-shows to their Wednesday hearing. They have also repeatedly failed to report to probation for regular check-ins, as ordered by the court. Ortiola, we should note, is a former GPD officer who was fired from the force and sentenced in federal court for selling the drug "ICE" while in uniform with his duty weapon. Bail was set at $5,000 each for Ortiola and Balicha. C...More >>

A 33 year old man is under arrest after he allegedly threatened to kill several people at a home in Harmon. Milk Manutae is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, terrorizing, and criminal mischief. Court documents state, the suspect was holding a knife and a machete while making the alleged threats He is accused of hitting the door repeatedly with the machete, while those living there were inside the home. He is also accused of throwing rocks to one victim and towards one of...More >>

A 33 year old man is under arrest after he allegedly threatened to kill several people at a home in Harmon. Milk Manutae is charged with two counts of aggravated assault, terrorizing, and criminal mischief. Court documents state, the suspect was holding a knife and a machete while making the alleged threats He is accused of hitting the door repeatedly with the machete, while those living there were inside the home. He is also accused of throwing rocks to one victim and towards one of...More >>

He tried to hide out from police inside the abandoned Guam Rehab Center when he was caught with drugs. 25 year old Osupwang Mutirok is charged with possession of schedule II controlled substance. Court document state, police saw a man in Upper Tumon who matched the description of a suspect involved in a reported theft. When the officer asked for ID, the suspect ran away attempting to hide inside a building nearby. Police were able to find him along with a glass pipe containing the dr...More >>

He tried to hide out from police inside the abandoned Guam Rehab Center when he was caught with drugs. 25 year old Osupwang Mutirok is charged with possession of schedule II controlled substance. Court document state, police saw a man in Upper Tumon who matched the description of a suspect involved in a reported theft. When the officer asked for ID, the suspect ran away attempting to hide inside a building nearby. Police were able to find him along with a glass pipe containing the dr...More >>